NEW ORLEANS – A woman who was a guest at Jax Brewery in the French Quarter is suing a stranger who allegedly approached her and repeatedly tried to incite her into a confrontation before seriously assaulting her.
Rileigh H. Lander filed suit against Taylor Castorani, Jax Brewery Bistro Bar and their insurer in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on May 8.
The suit claims the plaintiff was a guest at Jax Brewery in downtown New Orleans on May 12, 2014. Lander claims that as she was sitting at the bar with some friends, the defendant approached her and began verbally harassing her as to alleged statements made concerning Pi Beta Phi sorority. She claims that the defendant was a stranger to her and that she attempted to leave the situation at which point the defendant grabbed her hair, forcibly turned her around, poured beer on her head and then finally struck the plaintiff in the face with a bottle, causing injuries to her teeth and upper torso.
The defendant is accused of intentionally committing an assault and battery, and Jax Brewery and its ownership company is accused of failing to intervene, permitting underage drinking and failing to provide adequate security.
The plaintiff is seeking an unspecified amount in damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, temporary and permanent disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life and medical bills.
The plaintiff is represented by George S. Hesni II and Denise Y. Parrales of Gretna-based Hesni & Parrales PLC.
This case has been assigned to Division N Judge Ethel S. Julien.
Case no. 2015-04428.